This course is a study of the structures and functions of the human body, and their interrelationships. Content is built around major biological concepts which include:historical perspectives, mathematical and analytical skills, and interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. Concepts are reinforced with a strong emphasis on laboratory experiences, outside research, and the integration of all sciences. Dissection of preserved organisms is part of the laboratory experience. The honors level course differs from the regular course by having both a greater breadth of topics and greater depth of coverage of the content. These courses will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

AP Biology is an introductory college-level biology course. Students cultivate their understanding of biology through inquiry-based investigations as they explore the following topics: evolution, cellular processes - energy and communication, genetics, information transfer, ecology, and interactions. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation's colleges and universities. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Forensic Science

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology or Chemistry with a “C” or better, or science teacher recommendation

Forensic Science is the application of science to the law. This course is designed for students interested in learning the theoretical science concepts pertaining to forensic science. This course will be a laboratory class involving scientific investigations using microscopy, chromatography, comparative analysis techniques, electrophoresis, spot tests, qualitative analysis, mass comparisons, density analysis, and other qualitative and quantitative examinations.This course will meet the “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Marine Biology 1-2

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1-2 with a “C” or better, or science teacher recommendation

This course of study includes physical oceanography, marine ecology, evolution of marine species, and marine flora and fauna. In addition to familiarizing students with the features of the marine environment which is an integral part of Southern California, this course helps to acquaint students with the ecology of other marine ecosystems, and occupational opportunities present in the field of marine biology and oceanography. Dissection of preserved organisms, field research, and scientific reporting are all part of the laboratory experience. The accelerated level course differs from the regular course by having both a greater breadth of topics and greater depth of coverage of the content. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Zoology

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Biology 1-2 with a “C” or better, or science teacher recommendation

Students in this course study animal classification, ecology, anatomy, and physiology. The unity and diversity of animal life and the complimentary relationship of structure and function are basic themes. The study of the interrelationships between humans and animal is a recurring theme throughout the year. There are also student directed projects and presentations including a student-created animal behavior project. Dissection of preserved organisms is part of the laboratory experience. This course will meet the “d” or “g” requirement for the University of California and California State University Systems. NCAA Approved.

Applied Medical Occupations and Terminology 1-2

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisites: Health and Career Exploration Course

This course will give students the information that every health care worker must know to be successful in the health care field. Students will be provided with an intensive study of the many different career opportunities available in the health care industry. Students will complete a career portfolio which will include the following information: educational requirements, job description, wages, benefits and employment outlook. In addition, this course will help students acquire a medical terminology vocabulary related to body systems necessary to communicate information in the Health Science and Medical Technology industry sector. They will learn and practice the principles of medical word formations, including the basic rules of building medical words, identifying suffixes, prefixes, root words, and combining forms related to the structures and functions of the associated systems of the body. While learning about the human body structure and function and its related terminology, students will research certain diseases within each body system. They will research the origin or discovery, signs and symptoms, treatments and precautions. Other topics covered will include infection control, universal precautions, safety, interpersonal relationships, nutrition, legal and ethical issues and employment skills.

Chemistry 1-2 (Honors)

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1-2 or Algebra CD and Geometry 1-2 with a “B” or better and concurrent enrollment in 3rd year math

In Chemistry 1-2 Honors, the same concepts will be covered as in Chemistry 1-2, but in greater depth and will be supplemented by additional laboratory experiences using more advanced instrumentation and technology. Also, in Chemistry 1-2 Honors, there is a greater emphasis on mathematical formulation of principles, and the application of mathematical interpretation of chemistry concepts. A college level textbook and supplemental materials facilitate these differences. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Chemistry (AP)

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Chemistry 1-2 with a grade of “C” or better or science teacher recommendation.

This course provides the conceptual basis, content knowledge and methodological skills for understanding the theoretical aspects of general chemistry. Topics such as the structure of matter, kinetic theory of gases, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, and the basic concepts of thermodynamics are presented in-depth. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Environmental Science (AP)

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 10-12

Prerequisite: Biology and Algebra 1-2 or CD with a “C” or better and a UC “g” or “d” level course in physical or earth sciences.

The goal of the AP Environmental Science course is to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world; to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made; to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems; and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nations colleges and universities. This course will meet “d” or "g" entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Physics 1-2 (Regular and Honors)

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1-2 and Geometry 1-2 with a “C” or better, or science teacher recommendation. Honors requires a “B” or better. This course is a standards-based study of fundamental physics concepts, such as measurement, calculation, and graphing in kinematics and dynamics, propagation and conservation of energy and momentum, gravitation and orbital mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, waves, optics, electromagnetic phenomena, and relativity and quantum physics. Emphasis is placed on the utilization of mathematical, analytical, data acquisition, graphical, and communication skills as well as interdisciplinary approaches to discovery. Concepts and skills are reinforced by a strong emphasis on hands-on laboratory experiences and the integration of other branches of science. Applications to society, individuals, and the utilization of technology are included. Physics fulfills both the physical science high school graduation requirement and the UC/CSU "d" laboratory science requirement. A course in the biological sciences is also needed to complete the minimum graduation requirement for high school. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Physics “1” AP

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Algebra 1-2 and Geometry 1-2 with a “C” or better

This course covers a several topics from both classical and modern physics at a college freshman level in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam. A basic knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with some physical concepts. Students in this class will study Newtonian Mechanics; Work, Energy, and Power; Mechanical Waves and Sound; and Simple Circuits. Understanding these basic principles and the ability to apply them in the solution of problems are major goals of the course. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

This course covers a several topics from both classical and modern physics at a college freshman level in preparation for the Advanced Placement Exam. A basic knowledge of algebra, geometry, and trigonometry is required; the basic ideas of calculus may be introduced in connection with some physical concepts. Students in this class will study the Principles of Fluids; Thermodynamics; Electricity and Magnetism; and Optics. Understanding these basic principles and the ability to apply them in the solution of problems are major goals of the course. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Physics “C”: Mechanics AP

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Calculus or concurrent enrollment

This course provides the conceptual basis, content knowledge, and methodological skills for understanding the theoretical and analytical aspects of general physics. Emphasis is on mechanics and/or electricity and magnetism in preparation for the AP Physics C Examination. Other topics can include kinetic theory and thermodynamics, waves and optics, and modern physics. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Physics “C”: Electricity & Magnetism AP

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Calculus or concurrent enrollment

AP Physics C is a national calculus-based course in physics. This course is equivalent to the pre-engineering introductory Physics course for the university students. The emphasis is on understanding of the concepts and skills and using concepts and formulae to solve problems. Laboratory work is an integral part of this course. Students engage in inquiry-based activities to develop their understanding of the material of the course. Students work together in small groups to solve problems. Students present solutions to the class. Students who pass the AP exam have the opportunity to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems. NCAA Approved.

Principles of Engineering 1-2

Length of Course: 2 Semesters

Grade Level Options: 11, 12

Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra 1-2 and Chemistry with a “B” or better

This course surveys the major areas of engineering including civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical. It brings math, science and technology together and enhances general technological/ scientific literacy. Students will focus on applied chemistry and physics throughout the course. A major emphasis will be placed on hands on laboratory discovery of principles and practices and data collection and interpretation. In addition to the major engineering concepts, the course will emphasize technology/ society interaction, design and ethics. This course will meet the “d” or “g” entrance requirement for the University of California and California State University systems.

The Lakewood High School Science Department offers a variety of "upper division" science courses for students interested in additional science. Check out some of next year's offerings to the right. If any look interesting to you, let your counselor know.